I’m gonna let you on to a little secret. There’s a little sumthin’ sumthin’ I can’t go a day without. Well, a few things actually, but today I’m going to focus on just one. Yogurt. Chobani Greek yogurt, to be exact. Whether it’s one of their all-natural fruit-flavored cups like blueberry, strawberry, or peach, or plain yogurt with fresh fruit mixed in, not a day goes by that I don’t get my mid-morning protein fix with a luscious bowl of creamy Chobani yogurt. In fact, my Chobani moment is something I always look forward to.

Why Chobani Greek yogurt, exactly? Well, I just hinted at a couple of my reasons. First of all, protein! Each 6-ounce serving of nonfat fruit-flavored Chobani has 14 grams of protein – that’s a heck of lot more than the other leading light and fat-free yogurt brands (and the Chobani plain nonfat yogurt has even more protein per serving.) Secondly, those “other leading light and fat-free yogurt brands” are often full of artificial ingredients and fillers, while Chobani is completely natural. There are just a few ingredients, I can read them all, and none of them make me wonder, “what’s that doing in my yogurt?” Finally, Chobani is a great value. The 6-ounce cups are often on sale for $1 each, though I usually buy in bulk at the wholesale club for each cheaper. The clubs also have a great deal on the tubs of Chobani nonfat plain yogurt, so whenever our weekly meal plan includes a recipe that uses yogurt, I buy that instead of the cups. I also buy some fresh berries to add to the plain yogurt for my morning snack.

Just what kind of recipes do I like to make with plain nonfat Greek yogurt? Tons! My Haddock with Feta-Yogurt Sauce and Avocado-Baked Mahi are just a couple of our favorites.

And it’s no secret that yogurt is quite common in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern savory cuisine. In fact, when we traveled to Greece this summer, it’s safe to say we ate yogurt every day – and not just for breakfast. Plain yogurt is sometimes used for a tangy condiment like sour cream, to balance out spicy flavors, but it’s often mixed with garlic or fresh herbs to add an extra punch of flavor to meats and vegetables.

When the opportunity arose to work with Chobani as their featured blogger this week, I wanted to highlight a dish from a cuisine that traditionally uses plenty of yogurt but is less familiar to most Americans, and that is Afghan cuisine.Afghan restaurants seem to me few and far between, and the dishes have not made their way into mainstream American fare like other Middle Eastern specialties such as hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh. This is a disappoint to me, since the food at the Afghan restaurant I’ve visited is well worth an hour drive (yep, that’s how far away it is!) Because I wish you could all have a taste of Afghan food, I decided to make some myself. I also wanted to share it with my husband, who has not had the good fortune to visit this particular restaurant with me (both times have been with other family and friends.) Here’s a hidden entry option – just to see who’s actually reading and who’s just here for the free stuff! Leave a comment telling me whether you’ve tried Afghan food and what you think of it! Or just tell me about your favorite ethnic food 🙂

Mantwo are a type of Afghan ravioli filled with a spiced beef mixture and topped with a garlicky yogurt sauce, yellow lentils, and more of the beef filling. The combination, which is flavored with cumin, coriander, and a little crushed red pepper, might not seem intuitive, but it actually works quite well. Just ask my husband, who couldn’t wait to eat the leftovers for lunch the next day (that’s always a sign of a good meal, right?) The recipe is a bit time-consuming, though not difficult at all, and won’t require any hard-to-find ingredients. I even went all out and purchased actual, real, all-natural beef instead of my usual turkey replacement, and it was completely worth it – as was every moment spent putting together this unique and delicious dish for you.

If you’ve read this far, I thank you, because I know your time is precious. But today, I promise you’ve made a good decision, because there’s a giveaway involved. Chobani is giving one of you a chance to win free yogurt, and if you can read just a little bit more, you’ll find out exactly how.

In a large skillet, cook the beef and onions over medium high heat, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain fat. Stir in the grated carrots, salt, pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Add 1 cup water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, uncovered, until water evaporates. Allow beef mixture to cool.

Place yellow split peas, crushed red pepper, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, chicken broth, and 1 1/2 cups water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer partially covered over medium-low heat, for about 45 minutes, or until lentils are cooked down into a thick, slurry-like mixture.

Meanwhile, place one wonton wrapper on a flat surface, and spoon 1 heaping teaspoon of the beef mixture into the center. Wet fingertip with water and trace around the edge of the wrapper to moisten. Place a second wrapper on top, pressing to seal the two together, and folding the edges upward and in to form a round dumpling. Repeat with remaining wonton wrappers. Place all of the wontons in a steamer basket or bamboo steamer set over simmering water, and steam for 40 minutes.

To the remaining beef mixture in the skillet, add the tomato paste, crushed red pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, until liquid is evaporated.

To serve, divide the ravioli among four plates. Top with the yogurt sauce. Spoon some of the pea mixture and the ground beef on top of the ravioli, and garnish with fresh mint.

The giveaway will run until Monday, February 14th at 12am (in other words, Sunday night!) A winner will be chosen at random and posted on Monday.

The winner will receive a case of Chobani’s newest flavors: Black Cherry, Lemon, and Mango.

To enter, simply leave a comment* on this post. If you like, talk to me about yogurt. Have you tried Chobani? What is your favorite flavor of yogurt? Do you have a favorite recipe using yogurt?

For additional entries, do any or all of the following, and leave a separate comment to let me know about each one:

– “Like” Cara’s Cravings on Facebook (or let me know that you already do!)– “Like” Chobani on Facebook– Mention this giveaway on Facebook, with a link to this post.– Tweet the following: “Visit @carascravings for a chance to win new @chobani flavors! http://bit.ly/ifkJkS”

Good luck!

*Please make sure I have an easy way to reach you from your comments – like an email address or blog URL!

Your Afghan meal looks delicious! I love Chobani and often have it for my afternoon snack at work! I use the plain Chobani instead of sour cream in recipes that include sour cream – like my stuffed tomatoes!

That looks so yummy! I loooove Chobani! I haven't seen the new flavors around here but I'm dying to try the lemon. I usually just buy the plain but I'm sure I'll become a convert once I try lemon. And mango! Yum!

I love Chobani. I buy it at Sam's club in a 12-pack if I am heading over there–it ends up being less than $1 per container. I also like to get the bigger size of plain once in a while, especially in the summer. I come back from a long run, take a shower, and then have cereal with yogurt–milk is sometimes just not creamy enough for this gal. Protein YUM. Also plain yogurt is awesome instead of cream or milk in recipes (like soup). And add whatever and you have instant dip.

That looks really good (bookmarked!) and you're right, it's harder to find meals that aren't the standard hummus or falafel but when you do, they are always well worth it.Chobani. I love Chobani. I've gone through every single brand of Greek yogurt my local stores carry and always come back to the Chobani. I've been buying the giant tubs of the 2% Plain and have some with celery for an afternoon snack pretty much daily. I use it in place of sour cream and mayonnaise in all my cooking.

I love chobani so much, my favorite flavor right now is raspberry, but it's a little sweet so sometimes I also enjoy peach. Can't wait to try mango! Also, the mantu looks gorgeous, it's such a delicious dish!

I haven't tried Chobani, but I'd like to. My favorite Greek yogurt is Fage 2%, completely plain. I eat it just like that – sometimes with some chopped almonds but usually on its own. I also use plain Greek yogurt in place of mayo in things like tuna fish and cole slaw.

I love love love Chobani!! I've gotten more people "hooked" on it! I buy and give to those who never tried and they love me for their new addiction! The dairy man at Winn Dixie thinks I work for the company because I will tell strangers in the yogurt area that they MUST try this yogurt! The recipe looks great! I love to coat chicken in the nonfat plain yogurt and bake.

I too, can't go a day with out my cho! Just this past weekend, I used it to make a blue cheese dip to go with buffalo chicken for the superbowl. Super delicious! I am in the process of losing weight and Chobani has been my secret weapon 😉

I love the honey Chobani with grapes for my afternoon snack. Also any flavor makes a great grab and go beakfast along with fruit and a string cheese or with a hard-boiled egg and a Dr. Kracker. I've stopped buying sour cream because the plain Greek yogurt is almost indistinguishable in taste and texture.

I've been hearing such good things about Chobani lately that I sent 15 mins in the grocery store yest. trying to decide whether to buy some or not. In the end I didn't because it just seemed too expensive. Now I wish I had gotten at least one.

I've had Afghan food once, there's an afghan restaurant in my parents' town. Unfortunately, I don't remember the specifics, aside from it being delicious and I devoured the entire dish.I also love chobani, I have it for lunch almost every day. So far I love the pineapple and pomegranate ones.

I buy the plain nonfat. Haven't gotten into eating any of the flavors on their own, but I love using the plain nonfat in dips and sauces to radically cut the fat and calories, but absolutely none of the flavor.

I am so glad that chobani sponsored you in this giveaway, because i would not have known about your blog had they not. The recipes on here are fabulous! As for yogurt, chobani is my lover. I just recently tried the pineapple and it is my new favorite!

Great recipe, wonderful flavors, and I love the use of wonton wrappers. I have never had Afghan food but love many types of ethnic foods. Love, love Chobani. I have one just about every day. My favorite is honey:)

i have NEVER tried Afghan food but i would! i'll try anything once! i have tried Chobani and i really like it! i have only had traditional flavors so far, though. Strawberry, blueberry, etc. Mango sounds delish!! I haven't cooked with yogurt before so maybe i should try your dish 🙂

I have never been to an Afghan restaurant, but my hubby and I have made several Afghan recipes at home and they've all been wonderful! This Mantwo looks amazing, thanks for posting Cara! And BTW, I'm totally w/ you on the Chobani, they have the BEST greek yogurt out there 🙂

No, I've never had Afghan food but I'd love to try the Mantwo you blogged! My favorite way to eat Chobani is as a dessert. Usually with the blueberry or pomegranate – I then add a T of unsweetened cocoa powder and mix. So delicious and a lot healthier than a cup of ice cream!

What a great giveaway, Cara! I love using plain Greek yogurt for creamy sauces or as a substitute for sour cream. I love eating the plain flavors as is, with a bit of granola, or with a few bittersweet chocolate chips for dessert.

I have not had Afghan food though I did try hummus. There was a flavored one from Trader Joes that I had at my sister in laws house that was great with carrots.I would love to try Chobani since I love yogurt, but have not taken the step to greek yogurt yet.

FIrst off I LOVE Afghan food. There is a place called the Khyber Pass in NYC on St Marks that I can't get enough off. I can not wait to try this recipe it looks delicious. My favorite Chobani had been Pomegranate but now it is Black Cherry. I actually made a leek and onion dip for the superbowl using plain Chobani. See ya Sour Cream!

Amber, Afghan food has many many vegetarian dishes, and especially vegetarian dumplings! A definitive afghan dish is aushak, steamed scallion dumplings layered over minty yogurt. Mantoo is traditionally meat-filled, but here is one vegetarian version you can try. Please tell me how you like it. http://bamiyan.com/afghan-recipes/cooking/mantoo-e-moshS. A. Shah, ProprietorBamiyan Afghan Restaurant358 Third Avenue (at 26th St)New York, New York 10016Reservations: 212-481-3232http://www.bamiyan.com

Sayed, thank you so much for finding my blog and providing informative answers to my readers' questions. I really appreciate it. Hope to enjoy some Afghan cuisine in your restaurant next time I am in NYC.

Hi again! I love Afghan food. I like most Middle Eastern dishes but am still learning how to cook them. I finally feel comfortable enough with Indian food that I am excited to work my way through another region!

I love love love Chobani!! I've gotten more people "hooked" on it! I buy and give to those who never tried and they love me for their new addiction! The dairy man at Winn Dixie thinks I work for the company because I will tell strangers in the yogurt area that they MUST try this yogurt! The recipe looks great! I love to coat chicken in the nonfat plain yogurt and bake.

I buy the plain nonfat. Haven't gotten into eating any of the flavors on their own, but I love using the plain nonfat in dips and sauces to radically cut the fat and calories, but absolutely none of the flavor.

I am so glad that chobani sponsored you in this giveaway, because i would not have known about your blog had they not. The recipes on here are fabulous! As for yogurt, chobani is my lover. I just recently tried the pineapple and it is my new favorite!

Great recipe, wonderful flavors, and I love the use of wonton wrappers. I have never had Afghan food but love many types of ethnic foods. Love, love Chobani. I have one just about every day. My favorite is honey:)

i have NEVER tried Afghan food but i would! i'll try anything once! i have tried Chobani and i really like it! i have only had traditional flavors so far, though. Strawberry, blueberry, etc. Mango sounds delish!! I haven't cooked with yogurt before so maybe i should try your dish 🙂

i have NEVER tried Afghan food but i would! i'll try anything once! i have tried Chobani and i really like it! i have only had traditional flavors so far, though. Strawberry, blueberry, etc. Mango sounds delish!! I haven't cooked with yogurt before so maybe i should try your dish 🙂

I have never been to an Afghan restaurant, but my hubby and I have made several Afghan recipes at home and they've all been wonderful! This Mantwo looks amazing, thanks for posting Cara! And BTW, I'm totally w/ you on the Chobani, they have the BEST greek yogurt out there 🙂

No, I've never had Afghan food but I'd love to try the Mantwo you blogged! My favorite way to eat Chobani is as a dessert. Usually with the blueberry or pomegranate – I then add a T of unsweetened cocoa powder and mix. So delicious and a lot healthier than a cup of ice cream!

What a great giveaway, Cara! I love using plain Greek yogurt for creamy sauces or as a substitute for sour cream. I love eating the plain flavors as is, with a bit of granola, or with a few bittersweet chocolate chips for dessert.

I have not had Afghan food though I did try hummus. There was a flavored one from Trader Joes that I had at my sister in laws house that was great with carrots.I would love to try Chobani since I love yogurt, but have not taken the step to greek yogurt yet.

FIrst off I LOVE Afghan food. There is a place called the Khyber Pass in NYC on St Marks that I can't get enough off. I can not wait to try this recipe it looks delicious. My favorite Chobani had been Pomegranate but now it is Black Cherry. I actually made a leek and onion dip for the superbowl using plain Chobani. See ya Sour Cream!

FIrst off I LOVE Afghan food. There is a place called the Khyber Pass in NYC on St Marks that I can't get enough off. I can not wait to try this recipe it looks delicious. My favorite Chobani had been Pomegranate but now it is Black Cherry. I actually made a leek and onion dip for the superbowl using plain Chobani. See ya Sour Cream!

Hi again! I love Afghan food. I like most Middle Eastern dishes but am still learning how to cook them. I finally feel comfortable enough with Indian food that I am excited to work my way through another region!

Amber, Afghan food has many many vegetarian dishes, and especially vegetarian dumplings! A definitive afghan dish is aushak, steamed scallion dumplings layered over minty yogurt. Mantoo is traditionally meat-filled, but here is one vegetarian version you can try. Please tell me how you like it. http://bamiyan.com/afghan-recipes/cooking/mantoo-e-moshS. A. Shah, ProprietorBamiyan Afghan Restaurant358 Third Avenue (at 26th St)New York, New York 10016Reservations: 212-481-3232http://www.bamiyan.com

FIrst off I LOVE Afghan food. There is a place called the Khyber Pass in NYC on St Marks that I can't get enough off. I can not wait to try this recipe it looks delicious. My favorite Chobani had been Pomegranate but now it is Black Cherry. I actually made a leek and onion dip for the superbowl using plain Chobani. See ya Sour Cream!

I have not had Afghan food though I did try hummus. There was a flavored one from Trader Joes that I had at my sister in laws house that was great with carrots.I would love to try Chobani since I love yogurt, but have not taken the step to greek yogurt yet.

I have never been to an Afghan restaurant, but my hubby and I have made several Afghan recipes at home and they've all been wonderful! This Mantwo looks amazing, thanks for posting Cara! And BTW, I'm totally w/ you on the Chobani, they have the BEST greek yogurt out there 🙂

I am so glad that chobani sponsored you in this giveaway, because i would not have known about your blog had they not. The recipes on here are fabulous! As for yogurt, chobani is my lover. I just recently tried the pineapple and it is my new favorite!

I too, can't go a day with out my cho! Just this past weekend, I used it to make a blue cheese dip to go with buffalo chicken for the superbowl. Super delicious! I am in the process of losing weight and Chobani has been my secret weapon 😉

Amber, Afghan food has many many vegetarian dishes, and especially vegetarian dumplings! A definitive afghan dish is aushak, steamed scallion dumplings layered over minty yogurt. Mantoo is traditionally meat-filled, but here is one vegetarian version you can try. Please tell me how you like it. http://bamiyan.com/afghan-recipes/cooking/mantoo-e-moshS. A. Shah, ProprietorBamiyan Afghan Restaurant358 Third Avenue (at 26th St)New York, New York 10016Reservations: 212-481-3232http://www.bamiyan.com

FIrst off I LOVE Afghan food. There is a place called the Khyber Pass in NYC on St Marks that I can't get enough off. I can not wait to try this recipe it looks delicious. My favorite Chobani had been Pomegranate but now it is Black Cherry. I actually made a leek and onion dip for the superbowl using plain Chobani. See ya Sour Cream!

What a great giveaway, Cara! I love using plain Greek yogurt for creamy sauces or as a substitute for sour cream. I love eating the plain flavors as is, with a bit of granola, or with a few bittersweet chocolate chips for dessert.

I buy the plain nonfat. Haven't gotten into eating any of the flavors on their own, but I love using the plain nonfat in dips and sauces to radically cut the fat and calories, but absolutely none of the flavor.

I love love love Chobani!! I've gotten more people "hooked" on it! I buy and give to those who never tried and they love me for their new addiction! The dairy man at Winn Dixie thinks I work for the company because I will tell strangers in the yogurt area that they MUST try this yogurt! The recipe looks great! I love to coat chicken in the nonfat plain yogurt and bake.

What a great giveaway, Cara! I love using plain Greek yogurt for creamy sauces or as a substitute for sour cream. I love eating the plain flavors as is, with a bit of granola, or with a few bittersweet chocolate chips for dessert.

I have never been to an Afghan restaurant, but my hubby and I have made several Afghan recipes at home and they've all been wonderful! This Mantwo looks amazing, thanks for posting Cara! And BTW, I'm totally w/ you on the Chobani, they have the BEST greek yogurt out there 🙂

i have NEVER tried Afghan food but i would! i'll try anything once! i have tried Chobani and i really like it! i have only had traditional flavors so far, though. Strawberry, blueberry, etc. Mango sounds delish!! I haven't cooked with yogurt before so maybe i should try your dish 🙂